Rosberg quickest in second Abu Dhabi session

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg set the pace as the sun set during the second practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Rosberg posted a time of 1:41.983 on the Option tyres to finish 0.138s clear of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, before drivers conducted long runs in conditions comparable to those which drivers will encounter during Sunday’s race.

Sergio Pérez was a fine third for Force India, 0.627s behind Rosberg, but suffered a brake-by-wire failure and had to return to the pits.

Daniel Ricciardo set the fourth best time, as Ferrari finished fifth and seventh courtesy of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen, split by the Red Bull of Daniil Kvyat.

Nico Hülkenberg was eighth while Fernando Alonso was an encouraging ninth for McLaren, within a second of leader Rosberg.

Pastor Maldonado completed the top 10 for Lotus while Williams once again had a lowly session, with Valtteri Bottas in 11th and Felipe Massa 12th.

Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Jr. were 13th and 14th for Toro Rosso but the latter missed out on a race run after his STR10 encountered a mechanical problem.

Sainz Jr. parked his car on the inside of the Turn 7 hairpin and sat out the remainder of the session.

Romain Grosjean returned to action after missing the opening session and was 15th, ahead of Jenson Button.

Felipe Nasr placed 17th, a full second ahead of team-mate Marcus Ericsson, while Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi rounded out the field.